Combination condiment packet and stirrer

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and method for a combination condiment packet and stirrer. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an extendable stirrer is disposed within a sealed condiment packet, the stirrer being detachably affixed to the packet.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Nowadays, in order to make life easier for beverage consumers, numerous single-serving packets have appeared on the market. Most of these single-serving packets contain powder or granules which must be mixed with some type of liquid in order to be consumed. Single-serving packets are used for condiments (e.g., sweeteners, creamer), instant beverages (e.g., coffee, tea, etc.), medications, vitamins, exercise supplements, etc. There is no doubt that the single-serving packet saves time and adds convenience to the daily life of the consumer. It also provides unparalleled portability.

Every time one uses a powdered or granulated mixture, one needs some way of mixing it. Most people use either a wooden or plastic stirrer or straw, or a spoon when available. Without a stirrer, one lacks the necessary means of blending the mixture together with the liquid. Thus, the stirrer is indispensable to the single serving packet.

The problem with wooden or plastic stirrers is that they must be supplied separately from single-serving packets. Thus, if they are not adequately supplied or timely replenished, then a customer may be inconvenienced by having to find one or make do with an alternative. Furthermore, current stirrers are generally not individually wrapped, making it impossible to tell if the stirrer one is about to put into one's beverage has been manipulated by others or contaminated with germs, dust, or insects. Because such stirrers are unprotected from external contamination, they are also not conducive to transport

An improved single use packet would include a stirrer which is sturdy, disposable, long enough for a larger mixing container, yet compact enough to fit in a single use packet without impeding the packet's portability. The disposable stirrer must be wrapped in order to protect it from harmful microorganisms, and ensure its hygienic integrity.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The object of the invention is to provide a clean, convenient stirrer inside a single-use condiment packet, thereby eliminating the need to find another means of stirring. This invention will provide a cost effective solution that is uncomplicated to manufacture and simple to use. The rectangular packet is made of tearable material that facilitates opening the packet by hand, yet is also strong enough to protect the product

The product and the stirrer are packaged in the same single serving packet, thus providing hygienic protection. This provides the consumer peace of mind that the stirrer is hygienically sound.

The stirrer is detachably affixed to one end of the packet by means common in the art, allowing the contents to be emptied without the stirrer falling out Once the packet is empty, the stirrer can be extended to almost twice its length, then freed from the packet by a simple snap.

The invention has unequaled portability benefits for the “on the go” consumer by providing an “all in one” packet. It has the hygienic integrity necessary for use in the hospital setting and provides time saving benefits by eliminating the need to find an alternative method of mixing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 Top plan of unopened packet. Elongated tube shaped packet sealed across 8 and on both ends. Snap line 1 to inform the consumer where to bend packet in order to free stirrer. Notch 2 to inform consumer where to open the packet.

FIG. 2 Top plan of opened packet with view of expandable stir stick 7 and torn piece of packet 11.

FIG. 3 Top plan of opened packet with stir stick extended and in locked position 9.

FIG. 4 Top plan of opened packet with stir stick freed from packet.

FIG. 5A Side view of component A. Small indentation 3 allowing stirrer to be snapped off. Extremity below snap line 3 is attached to the packet

FIG. 5B Top view of component A of stirrer has two small protuberances 5. Small notch located between protuberances 4.

FIG. 5C Frontal view of component A.

FIG. 6A Side view of component B of stirrer. Rectangular tube 9 which component A slides into has one slot 6 on either side, which allows protuberance 5 on component A to lock into.

FIG. 6B Top view of component B.

FIG. 6C Frontal view of component B.

FIG. 7 3-D view of stirrer in its extended and locked position without the packet.

FIG. 8 Frontal view of retracted stirrer without packet. The part 10 below the snap line 3 is attached within the seal 8 at the bottom of the packet.

FIG. 9 Frontal view of stirrer almost extended, not in locked position. View without packet.

FIG. 10 Detailed frontal view of how the notch 4 allows the protuberance 5 to retract in order to fit into component B.

FIG. 11 Frontal view of stirrer in its extended and locked position without the packet.

FIG. 12 Detailed frontal view of locking mechanism with the protuberance 5 locked into the slots 6 of component B.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 through 12 depict a preferred embodiment of the present invention and its various components.

FIG. 1 is a top view of an unopened packet. The elongated tube-shaped packet is sealed at both ends 8. Snap line 1 is printed on the packet to inform the consumer where to bend the packet in order to free the enclosed stirrer. Notch 2 informs the consumer where to open the packet

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the packet can be any shape capable of housing the stirrer and condiment, e.g., rectangular or rounded. Furthermore, the packet may be sealed in any manner sufficient for containment of the contents of the packet and for ensuring the hygienic purity of the interior of the packet.

FIG. 2 is a top view of an opened packet, showing stir stick 7 and the torn piece of the packet 11.

FIG. 3 is a top view of an opened packet with the stir stick extended and in a locked position.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the stir stick freed from the packet. The stir stick comprises rectangular strip 10 fitted inside of rectangular tube 9.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C are side, top, and front views, respectively, of rectangular strip 10. An indented snap line 3 allows the stirrer to be snapped off. In an alternative embodiment of the invention (not shown), indented snap line 3 is perforated. The extremity shown to the left of snap line 3 in FIGS. 5A and 5B is attached to the packet. This prevents the stirrer from falling out of the packet when one initially opens the packet and dispenses the condiment. Protuberance 5 locks the stir stick into position when the stir stick is extended. The creation of notch 4 enables the resulting two prongs to bend inwardly (as shown in FIG. 10), thus enabling rectangular strip 10 to slide inside rectangular tube 9.

FIGS. 6A, 6B, and 6C are side, top, and front views, respectively, of rectangular tube 9. A slot 6 is located at one end of rectangular tube 9 such that when the stir stick is extended, protuberance 5 aligns with slot 6 and interlocks, thereby locking the stir stick in the extended position.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the end of rectangular tube 9 opposite slot 6 is attached to the sealed packet and contains means for detachment such as an indented or perforated snap line. Thus, in this embodiment, the process of opening the packet also automatically extends the stirrer.

Those skilled in the art will recognize that alternative embodiments of the present invention may be applied without departing from the essence of the present invention. For instance, application of a non-extendable stir stick is contemplated within the scope of the present invention. Naturally, alternative systems of extendable stir sticks may be applied, such as a stir stick comprising a series of two or more telescoping tubes, or a foldable strip. Alternative means for locking the stir stick in an extended position may also be applied. For example, a series of telescoping tubes might be formed to provide interference fit when extended. 

1. A combination condiment packet and stirrer comprising: a sealed packet in which a stirrer and condiment are stored; said stirrer being detachably affixed to the sealed packet
 2. The combination condiment packet and stirrer of claim 1, wherein said stirrer is extendable.
 3. The combination condiment packet and stirrer of claim 2, wherein: said stirrer comprises a strip slidably disposed within a tube; one end of said strip being detachably affixed to the sealed packet.
 4. The combination condiment packet and stirrer of claim 3, wherein: the non-attached end of said strip has a protuberance; and said tube contains a slot for interlocking with said protuberance when the strip is extended, thereby locking the stirrer in the extended position.
 5. A method of packaging condiment and a stirrer comprising the steps of: 1) storing condiment and a stirrer in a sealed packet 2) detachably affixing said stirrer to said packet.
 6. The method of claim 5, further including the step of extending the length of the stirrer beyond the length of the packet.
 7. The method of claim 6, further including the steps of disposing a strip within a tube to provide a stirrer; detachably affixing one end of said strip to the sealed packet.
 8. The method of claim 7, further including the steps of: forming a protuberance on the non-attached end of said strip; and forming a slot in said tube for interlocking with said protuberance when said strip is extended, thereby locking the stirrer in the extended position. 